🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the International Squad Only one goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. However, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the hottest forward in England after scoring seven goals in six straight games. His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages. But, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable. His six-game scoring sequence sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest stands at two distinct five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his former team. Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked discussions of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form. "He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Intense Competition However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select. "I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
Only one goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. However, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the hottest forward in England after scoring seven goals in six straight games. His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages. But, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable. His six-game scoring sequence sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest stands at two distinct five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his former team. Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked discussions of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form. "He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Intense Competition However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select. "I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."